[7] The protein was previously known as 'left-right' dynein (with the corresponding gene alias lrd) in mice and is particularly notable during embryogenesis for orientation of the eventual body plan.

[8][9] This gene encodes a member of the dynein heavy chain family, DNAH11, a microtubule-dependent motor ATPase protein critical for processes involving ciliary movement.

The gene DNAH11 has reported associations in a number of important physiological processes including the movement of respiratory cilia, sperm motility, and establishment of the adult body plan.

The body plan is naturally asymmetrical, and the overall order is defined during embryonic gastrulation in mammals where the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm) are established.

[15][16] Mutations in DNAH11 are also associated with Kartagener syndrome (PCD with situs inversus totalis, a congenital condition with a characteristic total inversion of the body plan and organs).